By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

The last week of May 2026 was unusually hot in England. An exceptional and intense heatwave had swept across the country, with temperatures in London, Milton Keynes, and the surrounding areas reaching nearly 34°C. Having spent eighteen years in the cool climate of Sweden, I found this heat completely unexpected, intense, and somewhat overwhelming.

To escape the scorching weather, it became necessary to take a shower four or five times a day. The heat reminded me of my hometown, Moro, where such temperatures are part of daily life and summer is not merely a season but an integral part of existence itself. Memories of Nangar Nawal’s cool thadhal shade came flooding back, along with the refreshing glasses of chilled milk malai served by Haji Nawal.

Only a few days remained before Eid al-Azha. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. Conversations with family members revolved around Eid preparations, special foods, and nostalgic memories of home. During these discussions, one particular topic kept resurfacing, awakening in all of us a strong desire to eat Sindhri mangoes.

On the weekend, we decided to take a trip to Luton. The town is home to many South Asian stores, and we hoped that perhaps the season’s first Sindhri mangoes had arrived there. Accompanying me on this journey were Bhao Dr. Mushtaq, Adi Sakina, Dr. Saleem, and Moiz.

The Journey from Milton Keynes to Luton

We set off from Milton Keynes. The journey to Luton is not particularly long and normally takes around half an hour, although weekend traffic made the trip somewhat slower.

As we drew closer to Luton, the surroundings began to feel strangely familiar. When we finally arrived, it felt as though we had left England and entered a completely different South Asian country.

Luton is an interesting English town. Once famous for its hat-making industry, it later became a major center for automobile manufacturing. Today, it is also well known because of London Luton Airport, through which millions of travelers pass on their way to destinations across the world.

Yet, more than the town’s history, it was its people who fascinated me.

A Small Subcontinent and a Touch of Africa

Walking through Luton felt as though I had entered a miniature version of the Indian subcontinent. I could easily describe the city as a “Mini Subcontinent” blended beautifully with a touch of Africa.

Wherever I looked, I saw South Asians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Nepalese, Indians, and Bangladeshis, living their lives alongside vibrant African communities.

South Asian grocery stores, modern halal butcher shops, sweet shops, restaurants, tea houses, and businesses of every size all evoked memories of the subcontinent.

The Search for Sindhri Mangoes

However, our real objective was to find Sindhri mangoes.

The pride of Sindh, the Sindhri mango is rightfully known as the “King and Prince of Mangoes.” In my opinion, it is among the finest mango varieties in the world.

Sindhri mangoes are primarily grown in Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, and the surrounding regions of Sindh. Their distinctive elongated shape, impressive size, bright golden-yellow color, and fiberless, exceptionally sweet, aromatic flesh have made them famous around the globe.

For Sindhi and Pakistani people living abroad, Sindhri mangoes are much more than a fruit. They are a fragrant memory of home, carrying with them the breeze and spirit of one’s homeland.

We visited numerous grocery stores and fruit markets. Everywhere we looked, there were piles of mangoes from India, Africa, and other countries, but the Sindhri mangoes had not yet arrived.

Whenever we asked a shopkeeper about them, a smile would appear on their face, and the answer was always the same:

“They’ll arrive in June.”

“Just wait a few more days.”

We could have bought other varieties of mangoes and enjoyed them, but we decided to wait. Some things are worth anticipating. Sometimes pleasure lies not only in enjoying something but also in waiting for its arrival.

Familiar Scenes, South Asian Culture, and the Colors of the Market

Luton’s commercial center is deeply infused with South Asian character. Many of its streets reminded me of scenes from back home.

Street vendors had set up stalls along the roadsides. Small traders were selling their goods. Crowds moved through the streets while the aromas of spices and freshly prepared food filled the air.

At sweet shops such as Nirala Mithai and others like it, colorful sweets were beautifully displayed behind glass counters. Jalebi, laddoon, barfi, rasgulla, gulab jamun, kulfi, falooda, samosas, pakoras, papri, chaat, and countless other delicacies were readily available.

Even the shop signs carried a distinctly South Asian appearance. Looking at many of them, one could easily forget that they were in England.

People of South Asian origin also appeared to have a significant presence in local politics. Considering the city’s demographic composition, this seemed entirely natural.

Instead of Mangoes, We Found an Unexpected and Beautiful Truth

Although we did not find Sindhri mangoes, we discovered something else, something perhaps even more valuable.

Luton offered a beautiful example of human tolerance and peaceful coexistence within a living, breathing representation of the subcontinent.

People from various South Asian countries, together with individuals from many other parts of the world, lived side by side with mutual respect. Everywhere we looked, people treated one another with dignity. We saw no signs of hatred.

Children played together. Families shopped together. Business partners ran stores together.

For a moment, a thought crossed my mind: Perhaps ordinary people never truly desire hatred.

People everywhere share similar aspirations. They seek peace, dignity, employment, security, and a better future for their families.

Yet politicians across the subcontinent often trap people into webs of hostility for their own interests. Many differences are amplified by political rhetoric and historical disputes, while ordinary people generally prefer peaceful coexistence.

If left to themselves, many would choose harmony and brotherhood over conflict.

Another observation was that although Luton possesses the energy and atmosphere of a South Asian town, it is noticeably cleaner than many cities in our region.

Roadside stalls operate in a distinctly South Asian fashion, yet within an environment shaped by Western organization and discipline. The result is a fascinating blend of two worlds.

An Elderly Man and a Guitar: A Sad Moment

On our return journey, one scene from the day remained deeply etched in my memory.

It was a scene that filled me with sadness.

On a sidewalk sat an elderly man, probably in his eighties, selling a few personal belongings and household items. Among them was an old guitar.

I do not know why he was selling his possessions. Perhaps he needed money. Perhaps he was clearing up his home. Perhaps there was another reason entirely.

But the sadness and helplessness on his face were unmistakable.

Perhaps life had forced him to part with something he deeply loved.

I looked at the guitar and thought about how musical instruments are never merely wood and strings. They carry memories. They hold dreams. They contain years of a person’s life.

It was painful to witness.

That elderly man was not simply selling a guitar. Perhaps he was selling the music of his life, his memories, and a lifelong passion.

Sometimes life becomes so harsh that it compels people not only to sell their possessions but also to surrender their passions, dreams, and deepest emotional attachments. At times, people are forced to part with the very activities that nourish their souls.

Watching that elderly man struggle during this stage of his life was heartbreaking.

We continued our way, but the image remained with me.

In essence, the purpose of sharing this story is simple.

That day, we left Milton Keynes in search of Sindh’s beloved Sindhri mangoes. Yet the journey became far more than a search for fruit.

We did not find the mangoes, but we found a miniature subcontinent.

We found shades of Africa. We rediscovered memories of home.

We witnessed the beautiful coexistence of people from different nations, languages, cultures, and religions.

We found evidence that people from diverse backgrounds can live together peacefully.

We learned a lesson about life’s hardships through the silent eyes of an elderly man.

The Sindhri mangoes would likely arrive a few days later, but the sweetness that this journey provided was greater than the sweetness of any mango.

Sometimes the true purpose of travel is not the destination itself, but the people, scenes, emotions, and lessons encountered along the way.

We returned carrying an unforgettable lesson about peace, love, human solidarity, and the bittersweet realities of life, a lesson that became permanently etched in our hearts during that unusually hot English summer.

Read: Echo of Sindh in Kenyan Affections

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post In Search of Sindhri Mangoes first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• The SANA International Sindhi Diaspora Conference 2026 is more than a gathering; it is a call to action. It invites Sindhis everywhere to reflect on who they are, where they come from, and where they wish to go as a global community.

By Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

In an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented world, the significance of bringing communities together under a shared identity cannot be overstated. The upcoming SANA International Sindhi Diaspora Conference 2026 in London, organized by the Sindhi Association of North America (SANA), stands as a powerful symbol of unity, vision, and collective responsibility. With its compelling theme, “Beyond Borders: Building a United Global Sindhi World Community,” the conference is not merely an event, it is a movement toward reconnecting a globally dispersed yet culturally rich people.

The Significance of the Conference

Sindhis, historically known for their adaptability, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural depth, have established themselves across continents from South Asia to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and beyond. However, with migration comes the subtle risk of cultural dilution, identity fragmentation, and generational disconnect.

This conference serves as a bridge, linking Sindhis across borders, professions, and generations. It offers a rare opportunity for intellectual exchange, cultural celebration, and strategic collaboration. More importantly, it provides a platform to collectively reflect on the future of Sindhi identity in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Why It Matters Today

The modern Sindhi diaspora faces unique challenges. Younger generations, born and raised outside Sindh, often struggle to connect with their linguistic and cultural roots. At the same time, Sindh itself grapples with socio-economic challenges, climate vulnerabilities, educational disparities, and the pressures of globalization.

In such a context, gatherings like this conference are crucial. They remind us that identity is not confined to geography; it is carried through language, culture, traditions, values, and shared memory. They also reinforce the idea that diaspora communities are not passive observers but active contributors to the development and preservation of their heritage.

Supporting Sindhi Students Abroad: A Necessary Step

One of the most pressing and practical areas where SANA can expand its role is in supporting Sindhi students studying abroad. Thousands of young Sindhis travel to foreign countries each year in pursuit of education. While they carry ambition and hope, many also face uncertainty, isolation, and a lack of guidance.

From my perspective, SANA can play a transformative role by:

• Establishing mentorship programs connecting students with experienced professionals in their fields
• Creating career guidance platforms offering advice on job markets, internships, and professional networking
• Organizing career fairs and webinars tailored specifically for Sindhi youth
• Providing emotional and community support networks to help students adjust socially and culturally

Such initiatives would not only empower individuals but also strengthen the global Sindhi professional network.

Preserving Sindhi Language and Culture Globally

Language is the soul of any culture, and for Sindhis, it is the thread that binds generations together. However, in diaspora settings, the Sindhi language is at risk of fading, especially among younger generations.

SANA can take proactive steps to safeguard this heritage:

• Launching online Sindhi language learning platforms for children and youth
• Supporting cultural festivals, literary events, and storytelling sessions worldwide
• Encouraging digital content creation in Sindhi, including podcasts, YouTube channels, and social media initiatives
• Collaborating with educational institutions to introduce Sindhi language and cultural studies programs

Preservation must evolve with time, embracing technology and modern communication tools to keep traditions alive.

Future Challenges for Sindh and Sindhis

Looking ahead, both Sindh and the global Sindhi community face several emerging challenges:

• Climate Change: Sindh is particularly vulnerable to floods, water scarcity, and environmental degradation
• Educational Gaps: Limited access to quality education in rural areas continues to hinder progress
• Economic Pressures: Youth unemployment and lack of opportunities push migration, often without adequate preparation
• Cultural Erosion: Globalization, while beneficial, can dilute traditional values and practices
• Identity Crisis in Diaspora: Younger Sindhis may struggle to balance assimilation with cultural preservation

Addressing these challenges requires collective effort, bridging the gap between homeland and diaspora.

A Way Forward: Recommendations

To ensure long-term impact, SANA and similar organizations can consider:

• Building a Global Sindhi Network Database to connect professionals, students, and entrepreneurs
• Establishing scholarship programs for underprivileged Sindhi students
• Promoting research and policy discussions on issues affecting Sindh
• Encouraging philanthropic initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and climate resilience in Sindh
• Creating youth leadership programs to prepare the next generation of Sindhi leaders

Extending Best Wishes

It is a great honor to extend my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of this prestigious gathering. I commend SANA for bringing together Sindhis from across the world under such an inspiring theme. This conference represents not only a gathering of individuals but a collective vision to unite our voices, empower future generations, and strengthen our shared identity.

I extend my best wishes for the success of this conference and sincerely hope it serves as a milestone in building a stronger, more connected global Sindhi community.

Conclusion

The SANA International Sindhi Diaspora Conference 2026 is more than a gathering; it is a call to action. It invites Sindhis everywhere to reflect on who they are, where they come from, and where they wish to go as a global community.

“Beyond Borders” is not just a theme; it is a responsibility. A responsibility to remain connected despite distances, to preserve what defines us, and to build a future where Sindhi identity is not only remembered but actively lived and celebrated.

If this vision is embraced with sincerity and strategic action, the global Sindhi community can emerge stronger, more united, and better prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow while honoring the legacy of yesterday.

Read: Sindh’s Heritage Games: Forgotten Childhood Echoes

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Abdullah Soomro, penname Abdullah Usman Morai, hailing from Moro town of Sindh, province of Pakistan, is based in Stockholm Sweden. Currently he is working as Groundwater Engineer in Stockholm Sweden. He did BE (Agriculture) from Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam and MSc water systems technology from KTH Stockholm Sweden as well as MSc Management from Stockholm University. Beside this he also did masters in journalism and economics from Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Mirs, Sindh. He is author of a travelogue book named ‘Musafatoon’. His second book is in process. He writes articles from time to time. A frequent traveler, he also does podcast on YouTube with channel name: VASJE Podcast.

The post Beyond Borders: United Sindhi Horizon first appeared on Sindh Courier.

London

Holy Mission (Sindhi Mandir) London, serving as Sindhi Community House, has announced holding of an important program titled ‘Sindhi Identity: History, Culture, Spirituality, Enterprise’ on July 20, 2025. The Sindhi Community House is located at NW2 6QD.

Timings: Registration from 11.30am, followed by Brunch at 11.45am. The event will end at 5.45pm.

The Sindhi Community House has invited all the Sindhis to join for an immersive celebration of Sindhi heritage through inspiring talks, interactive sessions, traditional cuisine, and community connections.

“This is an inclusive event for people of all generations, focused on the Sindhi community, but we welcome people from all communities. If you are curious about Sindhi history, culture, spirituality, enterprise and innovation, and the future of the global Sindhi in the 21st Century, this event is for you,” a press release said.

Attendance is free however advance registration is required. “Reserve your place today and be part of this thoughtful and uplifting gathering of minds and community. Traditional Sindhi brunch and refreshments are included,” it said.

Press release said, “We will explore the forces that continue to shape Sindhi identity. Our speakers include leading academics and cultural voices, offering new insights into the lived Sindhi experience across time and geography.us for an immersive celebration of Sindhi heritage through inspiring talks, interactive sessions, traditional cuisine, and community connections.”

Program Highlights

Start off with a delicious Sindhi Brunch (Daal Pakwan) – please arrive promptly by 11.30am for registration before 11.45am brunch!

Welcome and Introduction (Prof. Narender Ramnani, Trustee)

Opening Remarks: An introduction of Sindhi Community House, an overview of the event, and its aims, and an introduction of speakers.

From Indus to Independence – 5000 Years of Sindhi History (Prof. Sarah Ansari, Royal Holloway University of London)

This talk will be an introduction to the history of the people of Sindh. It will present a panoramic view of Sindh’s rich past, from the Indus Valley civilization that flourished about 5000 years ago, through to Independence in 1947. The talk will consider the importance of Sindh and Sindhis from a wider South Asian and global perspective. Across the millennia, Sindh – far from being located on the margins – often lay at the heart of key developments, all the while maintaining its distinct identity and operating as a vibrant meeting place for people, ideas, and even commodities.

Unpacking “Sindhyat”: Diverse Sindhi Heritage that has shaped Modern Hindu Sindhi Identity (Prof. Devendra Kodwani, Open University)

This talk will explore the unique characteristics of Sindhi Hindus, particularly their liberalism, adaptability, and distinct social customs, as noted by Dayaram Gidumal Shahani in 1903. It will examine the factors contributing to their resilience and ability to thrive globally while maintaining their core identity (“Sindhyat”). The talk will also celebrate classical Sindhi Sufi poetry (Shah, Sachal, Sami), discussing its connections to Vedantic philosophy and the influence of various religious traditions including Islam and Sikhism. Finally, it will address how 19th-century reform movements impacted Sindhi identity, and how Sindhi Hindus have preserved their “Sindhyat” despite being displaced from their geographic homeland, maintaining their identity through customs, language, and family ties.

Insights Session: The Sindhi Entrepreneurial Edge — Selling Anything, Anywhere (Prof. Devendra Kodwani, Open University)

Explore the remarkable economic successes of Sindhi Hindus in this insightful session with Professor Devendra Kodwani. Historically driven by ‘Artha’ – the pursuit of economic prosperity, one of the four aims of life in Indian Hindu philosophy – Sindhis have excelled in wealth creation. This presentation will draw upon Dr. Mark Anthony Falzon’s significant work, “The Sindhis: Selling Anything and Anywhere,” to shed light on four distinct traits embedded within Sindhi business culture. Understand what makes them uniquely adept at thriving in diverse markets and creating prosperity wherever they go.

Q&A with speakers after each session

Breakout Session: Exploring Sindhi Identity Today

Every generation thinks about identity in a different way. Participants will engage with each other in smaller generation-specific groups, and a group open to all, to discuss what they’ve learned, share what they understand about Sindhi identity in today’s world, and what they still want to learn about. Those discussions will help Sindhi Community House to understand your views better and shape future plans.

○ Group 1: Young people (up to 30 years)

○ Group 2: Middle Generation (31 – 65)

○ Group 3: Seniors (65+)

○ Group 4: Open Group / Newcomers

Facilitators: Members of Organizing Team

All events will be followed by Langar Prasad

Regular monthly programs

Asa Di Var

Sundays at 7.30 to 8.30am

Mata Ki Chowki

First Saturday of the month at 7pm

Happy Tuesday Family

First Tuesday of the month at 12noon

Sukhmani Paath

Thursdays at 12.00 to 2.00pm

Satnarain Katha

Satnarain day at 12.00 to 2.00pm

MOVE and INSPIRE ONLINE Yoga

Weekly on Mondays & Fridays at 10.45 to 11.30am

Swami Teooram Maharaj and Swami Shanti Prakash Satsang

Last Saturday of the month at 5.00 to 6.00pm

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The post Embrace Roots, Strengthen Sindhi Legacy first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sindhi Community House is organizing the Shradh from September 18 to October 1, to pay homage to departed souls of the community

London

Sindhi Community House (Sindhi Mandir) London, serving the needs of the community, is organizing the Shradh (or Śrāddha in Sanskrit), an annual event in which one pays homage to family members who have passed away. The event begins on 18th September and ends on 01st October, 2024.

“Alongside the debt that we owe to God, guru, sages and society are also those that we owe to our ancestors who provided us with our foundations. According to scriptures, observing Shradh through prayers, patths (reading of scriptures) and worship gives momentum to the soul, helping it to progress to a higher state of existence and find liberation. Whatever ones beliefs, this is a poignant and sacred moment of remembrance in the Hindu calendar when we remember those who we miss with fondness and gratitude. Sindhi Mandir continues to provide a serene space in which to offer prayers to departed souls during this sacred month,” a Sindhi Mandir announcement said.

This year, the two-week Shradh period at London’s Sindhi Mandir will begin on Wednesday, 18th September, following the Satnarain Katha at 12 noon, it said.

Bhog Ceremony, Kirtan, reading of the names of those being honored, and Langar Parsad will take place on the last day, Tuesday, 01st October from 11.30am.

The announcement said, “Not all members of our widely scattered community have the opportunity to organize Shradh events for themselves. London’s Sindhi Mandir is privileged to observe the event of Shradh on behalf of you and your family. If you would like us to include your loved ones in our prayers, please send us the information requested below by email: support@sindhimandir.org Phone (02084501341) or using the online form https://holymission.us2. list-manage.com/track/click?u=331bb3aedc0c4077b48c56c17&id=af8827e66c&e=d2c84d6303

Interactive Dementia Friends Information Session

Sindhi Mandir is also holding an interactive Dementia Friends Information Session in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society which will help to learn about dementia and help create a more dementia friendly communities; discover local support services and resources and participate in a Q&A session with an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Adviser on 8th October 2024 at 11.45am.

Navratri Festival

A joyous Navratri Festival will be held from Thursday 03rd October to Saturday 12th October while Mata Ji Chowki will be held on Friday 4th October – 7.00 to 8.30pm, Saturday 5th October – 7.00 to 8.30pm and Sunday 6th October – 6.00 to 7.30pm. On Friday 11th October – 7.00 to 8.30pm Durga Ashtmi Havan will be held at 6pm.

Mata Ji Chowki for Navratras will be led by the exceptionally talented devotee, Sagar Sakhrani, from Kolkata, India, whose melodious performances will add a special flavor to the festival. Following the Mata Chowki.

“We invite you to join us for Raas Garba: Saturday 5th October, 9 to 10.30pm (after Mata Chowki)” announcement concluded. (PR)

Read: Sindhi Mandir London announces special programs for the community

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London

The World Sindhi Congress (WSC) has announced that its Chairperson, Dr. Rubina Shaikh, has been elected President of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).

“This remarkable achievement underscores Dr. Shaikh’s unwavering dedication to advocating for the rights of unrepresented nations and peoples worldwide. She served the organization as vice president for the last two years,” a WSC press release said.

The UNPO, founded in 1991, is an international membership organization with over 40 members. It provides a platform for nations and peoples who lack representation in major international forums to voice their concerns and advocate for their rights on the global stage. The WSC joined UNPO in 2016, seeking support in its struggle for the Sindhi people’s right to self-determination.

Through UNPO, the WSC has gained access to international platforms, raising awareness of the Sindhi people’s unique cultural identity and the challenges they face in Pakistan. Dr. Shaikh’s election as President is a testament to her strong leadership and tireless efforts in promoting human rights, democracy, and self-determination for Sindh.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen as President of UNPO,” said Dr. Shaikh. “I am committed to working collaboratively with all members to ensure that the voices of unrepresented nations and peoples are heard loud and clear. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive global community.” (PR)

Read: Pakistan’s Oppressed Nations’ Issues Discussed in Canada

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London

The British Museum will organize exhibition of unique artifacts from Uzbekistan titled ‘Silk Road’ in London from September 2024 to March 2025.

The British Museum is one of the oldest, largest, and most visited museums globally. It was founded in 1753 by Sir Hans Sloane, a royal physician and collector of art objects, who bequeathed his collection to the state. The museum’s exhibitions occupy 94 galleries, with a total length of 4 kilometers. The British Museum is the largest historical and archaeological museum with rich collections from the ancient world, attracting an annual visitation of 5.5-6 million people.

“A meeting took place in London between representatives of the Culture and Arts Development Fund of Uzbekistan, the Cultural Heritage Agency, and the leadership of the British Museum,” Uza.uz reports.

Also read: Sikhs on the Silk Road

During the negotiations, issues related to promoting Uzbekistan’s culture based on the British Museum and establishing cooperation between the museums of the two countries were discussed.

As a result of the meeting, unique exhibits from Uzbekistan’s museum collections were identified to be presented in the exhibition. Among them are wall paintings from the Afrosiab Ambassadors’ Hall, wall paintings from the Red Hall of Varakhsha, charred wooden panel from Kafer-Kala, and other exhibits related to the Sogdian period.

These unique exhibits from Uzbekistan, some of which have never been displayed elsewhere, will become highlights of the British Museum exhibition. This, in turn, will contribute to the broad promotion of our country’s historical and cultural heritage on the world stage.

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Courtesy: Central Asian Light (Posted on February 19, 2024)  

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By Dr. Mushtaq Soomro

On one cool evening in London, barrister Mazhar Kazi received a phone call from Dr. Imdad Ali, his close friend and old classmate, now working as a psychiatrist in a prestigious London hospital. He asked him if he remembered Mr. Peter Marshall.

“Yes he was my senior, but I know him, I heard him in a few symposiums. A really smart guy.”

“That’s fine, I am going to meet with him today evening, if you are free we can go together”, said Dr. Imdad Ali.

On that evening, Kazi and Dr. Ali went to a large rehabilitation center, which was meant for recovering patients of drug addiction, a short drive from London.

Kazi became remorseful when he saw Peter Marshall; he had become a thin, lean, rather emaciated person without any glow in his face. Kazi recognized that same glowing Peter coming out every time during a conversation when any law-related matter came under discussion during the informal chat as he was brilliant with his professional and academic knowledge.

All of the talk was random without any prior agenda as the period between recovery and actual departure back home was meant to keep the patient as relaxed as possible so that they could cope with the realities of life in new spirits.

Since the meeting, a couple of more months passed before Peter was allowed to go home from the rehab center. He had lost several precious things like his lucrative law practice and very pleasant professional colleagues but his most precious loss was Margaret, his beloved wife. She deserted him after filing for divorce. When Peter came out of the hospital, he had a huge debt under his name.

His divorce from Margaret was quite shocking. It was not clear if his drug addiction was the cause or the effect of his strained relations with his lovely wife. It is likely both were intermingled with each other.

Margaret was his lifetime love and Peter adored her a lot. By profession she was an executive in a marketing firm; the boss of 200 employees in a huge building. Differences were creeping up between them when she was shining in her career; feeling proud all the time and Peter started the habit of LSD use and seemed to be indifferent to his law practice. Margaret gently tried to explore the reason behind his odd behavior, but Peter surprised her as he alleged she was conspiring to kill him.

Every day, Peter was sucked into the quagmire of drug addiction, became hypertensive, and lost control of himself. Margaret used to become very worried when he was alone and was reminding him to take care of himself but he hated her company; living in various temporary places sans home.

She came to know from her sources that he was using increasing amounts of LSD day by day. Margaret was fed up with convincing him to go to seek medical advice.

One sad evening Margaret got an unfortunate phone call as somebody informed her that Peter was involved in a road traffic accident on the motorway in which he slammed his car into a trailer and got multiple fractures, and was rushed to hospital.

Peter was semiconscious and sedated and had to go through several operations during the coming days. The head of the panel of expert medics and surgeons told her that his drug addiction was hindering his normal recovery.

When he became a bit settled, the first thing he did was to instruct the hospital to forbid his wife to meet him or phone him. That last straw broke the camel’s back and the divorce papers were processed quickly.

Peter got treatment for his injuries for several weeks then got prolonged management for his drug addiction issue. Despite broken relations, Margaret offered Peter to pay his hospital bills but he declined the offer.

After recovery, he changed himself drastically, rather he rediscovered himself; all of his hobbies and passions changed, and he started to take a deep interest in history, anthropology and archaeology.

He started to spend more and more time in his grandfather, Sir John Marshall’s library, studying his old diaries. He was an extraordinary figure; an archaeologist by profession who discovered two famous cities of Indus-Valley Civilization – Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro in 1920–21, both towns around 5000 years old.

Exploring these ancient sites, which were unknown to anybody prior to that was not an easy task. One colleague and friend of John Marshall had to sacrifice his life during the process of exploration of the sites. He was murdered in far-flung hilly terrain by barbaric bandits as they assumed that he must possess enormous wealth as he was exploring hidden treasures in the land.

Peter was moved by reading his diary in which he wrote an obituary for Mr. N. G. Majumdar in very respectable words. Majumdar was his worthy colleague, a hardworking and dedicated fellow who was the main figure in discovering sixty-two archaeological sites in the Indus Valley.

Peter started to read archaeology as a subject and did his masters, wrote several research papers, and was very excited that his friends Dr. Ali and Mazhar Kazi were natives of the land of Indus Valley Civilization.

He used to ask both friends about Mohenjo-Daro, about how the city looked and was eager to visit it as soon as possible.

Peter changed his occupation and became a faculty member of the Archaeology department at the University of London, where he excelled by understanding the subject and explaining it in simple terms so that a person of any background could enjoy the rather dry subject of archaeology.

Meanwhile, UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) arranged a conference on Indus Valley Civilization in London; in fact, Peter was the main person behind the arrangement of this conference and the main speaker of the occasion.

Various experts in the field shed light on the different aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization. The audience appreciated their deep understanding of all available details about Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa – each city had a population of 35,000 and 25,000 respectively.

Indus Valley Civilization was at least 4500 years old, having about 1,500 locations discovered so far, scattered in the triangle-shaped area of about 1.2 million kilometers (Equivalent to 75 thousand square miles). Some of its towns and cities are located in India but two main cities are located in Pakistan among which Mohenjo-Daro is quite an amazing example.

“These people were not warriors or barbarians who practice violence and enslaved their fellow humans but they were artisans, engineers, and very good town planners.” A sentence from the speech of Peter Marshall.

The whole conference was exciting and informative for history lovers and archaeology professionals. Archaeology and anthropology students of London universities were especially interested in the artefacts they saw in the British Museum and asked questions from the speakers they particularly admired. English newspapers gave nice coverage of the proceedings of the event.

“These people were not warriors or barbarians who practice violence and enslaved their fellow humans but they were artisans, engineers, and very good town planners.” A sentence from the speech of Peter Marshall.

“Occupation-wise, these people were traders but able to do farming of wheat, barley, cotton, peas, dates, sesame and mustard for oil and they had vocational skills to manufacture cotton and woolen textiles. “They were probably the first bunch of people who were able to construct multi-story houses.

As time passes, new sites of Indus Valley Civilization are appearing, Peter Marshall mentioned that his archaeologist friends in the Indian state of Gujrat, Mr. Gadvi and Prof. Joshi were busy unearthing the Dholavira site, which is only 50 kilometers away from the Pakistan border.

In the Dholavira area seals with shapes of animals, beads and metal objects have been discovered. The size and shape of the bricks are the same as those used in houses in Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. He demanded UNESCO to allocate more funds to excavate the site of Dholavira.

In the end, Peter Marshall took the podium and impressed everyone with his sleek style to explain his deep understanding and sound knowledge of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Very few people in the audience, including Mazhar Kazi and Imdad Ali, knew that Peter took inspiration from the life and work of his late grandfather, Sir John Marshall, who discovered Mohenjo-Daro, played a major role in its excavation, which later became one of the main world heritage sites in Pakistan.

“A meticulously planned street layout and an intricate drainage system indicate that the residents of Mohenjo-Daro were skilled urban planners with an attention to detail on the control of water.”

“The city of Mohenjo-Daro lacks any remains of impressive palaces, temples or monuments. There is no obvious central seat of government or evidence of a king or queen “

“4500 years before there was no king or queen” – one headline from the magazine section of a London daily.

Barrister Kazi was invited by then Pakistan Prime Minister Mr. Zulifkar Ali Bhutto to work with his team as press and media advisor. So Kazi closed his law chamber in London and went to pursue a political career in Pakistan.

Soon it was decided to organize an international conference on Indus Valley’s history culture and archaeology, given the name ‘Sind through the Centuries’.

Experts in Sind affairs from all over the world were sponsored to come personally and speak on stage and present their research papers in a 3-day event held in Karachi.

Mazhar Kazi personally invited Peter Marshall and Dr. Ali to attend the conference and it was a nice coincidence that Mr. Bhutto’s ancestral home abode was less than a one-hour car journey from Mohenjo-Daro.

Peter finalized a research paper to be read as part of the work he was doing on the subject for the last three years in The University of London.

Mr. Bhutto took a personal interest in all the arrangements of the mega event, being one of its kind in the history of Pakistan and Mazhar Kazi was his main aide to look after these preparations.

It was also decided that a gala dinner and live concert of folk music would be organized at the site of Mohenjo-Daro. It was a pleasant surprise to Mr. Bhutto that Peter Marshall was a trainee at the same Lincoln Inn in London in which Mr. Bhutto got trained, as was Mr. Kazi.

One day before the event, Mazhar Kazi himself collected the delegates at Karachi International Airport including Peter Marshall and Dr. Imdad Ali, both were driven to the five-star hotel in the city where the conference would be held.

The next day, Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto inaugurated the international event, first of its kind covered by national and international media.

He warmly welcomed all the exalted scholars who brought their brilliant pieces of research work to highlight the Indus Valley Civilization, especially Mohenjo-Daro, he welcomed Peter Marshall being an ex-student of Lincolns Inn, a famous seat of learning for barristers in the heart of London. He eulogized the services of Peter’s granddad Sir John Marshall by discovering Mohenjo-Daro located in the county of Larkana, home town of Mr. Bhutto himself.

After the prime minister’s speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University Of Sindh came on stage, announced the award of an honorary doctorate to Sir John Marshall, and requested the Chancellor of the University to posthumously award him, being received by his grandson, Peter Marshall.

Very sad part of first ever mega event on the Indus Valley Civilization and Culture. Peter could not see with his own eyes the world heritage site, which was given years of labor by him and his family

This announcement brought loud applause and in the noise of clapping Peter Marshall proceeded towards the stage but several people, particularly Dr. Ali, noticed that his gait was wobbly and fidgety. Somehow, he collected his courage and reached the podium, until everybody saw he collapsed; several people along with Dr. Ali rushed to help him.

Found to be drenched in sweat and in a semiconscious state as he suffered a massive heart attack, he was soon transferred to the cardiac intensive unit in the ambulance, which was part of the prime minister’s escort fleet.

The cardiac unit was only 12 minutes away and paramedics were giving him resuscitative support. Dr. Ali was beside him in the ambulance assisting paramedics throughout but after arriving, he was lifeless, and pronounced dead.

Very sad part of first ever mega event on the Indus Valley Civilization and Culture. Peter could not see with his own eyes the world heritage site, which was given years of labor by him and his family. Dr. Imdad Ali could remember only these slurred words of Peter,” Margaret where are you … I love you.”

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Dr. Mushtaq Soomro, hailing from Sindh, Pakistan, is a UK-based medical doctor and freelance writer of Sindhi, Urdu and English languages. His works were published in various dailies including Hilal e Pakistan, Jang, Dawn, Daily Times, The Frontier Post, Kawish and Ibrat. His short story was published in Ibrat magazine. This is his first short story in English. He can be accessed at e-mail: mushtaqsoomro@gmail.com

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Mohammed Mounier

A few days ago, I was watching a documentary about one of the most famous and ancient palaces or castles in London, Highclere Castle, which houses 300 rooms and is surrounded by 5,000 acres of gardens. The castle is owned by a family with roots in the British aristocracy, the Carnarvon family.

The film explores the history of the castle, which dates back to the 8th century, and was originally owned by the Bishops of Winchester. The ownership of the castle was passed down through heirs until it was transferred to the Carnarvon family in 1771, starting with the 1st Earl of Carnarvon and continuing to the 8th Earl, Geordie, who currently lives there with his wife, Fiona, and their only child.

One of the surprising Egypt-related anecdotes I encountered during the film was that the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was obsessed with Egyptian civilization. In 1906, after a serious accident, doctors advised him to spend the winter somewhere away from England’s cold climate. He chose to travel to Luxor, where he and his wife Almina stayed at the Winter Palace Hotel. During that time, he met Howard Carter in 1909 and began financing Carter’s archaeological discoveries in Egypt, receiving 50% of the artifacts found. In 1910, he decided to build a house near the Valley of the Kings and lived there with Carter, as it was close to excavation sites.

A dedicated hall in Highclere Castle displays some original Egyptian artifacts and a section devoted to the story of discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb, featuring replicas of the items found in the tomb

To this day, the house still exists in Luxor under the name Castle Carter. In 1922, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, but the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was unable to obtain his 50% share of the artifacts due to Egyptian law at the time. Nevertheless, he managed to own a collection of original artifacts that still remain at Highclere Castle, despite heirs’ denial. There are demands to return these artifacts to Egypt, and the Earl of Carnarvon died just a few months after the tomb’s discovery.

A dedicated hall in Highclere Castle displays some original Egyptian artifacts and a section devoted to the story of discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb, featuring replicas of the items found in the tomb. To this day, the Egyptian artifacts wing of Highclere Castle remains the most famous and attractive part of the castle for visitors, as confirmed by the 8th Earl Geordie and his wife Fiona in the documentary. On the castle’s website, there is a section dedicated to Egyptian civilization, where you can purchase a copy of the book “The Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb” and advertising materials containing photos of the artifacts owned by the castle, which can be bought through the website. In truth, there is much to discuss about this historic castle and the family that owns it. However, what caught my attention in the documentary and the story of this castle is the management model that has been employed throughout the ages. The family has successfully maintained and preserved the castle’s grandeur up to the present day, spending £1.8 million annually on its maintenance. In return, they have managed to generate millions of pounds in revenue each year. In the summer, at least 1,200 visitors per day come to Highclere, with each ticket costing £20 per person. This amounts to £24,000 per day in ticket sales alone, not to mention additional visitor expenditures on the castle grounds, such as gift shops, parks, hunting areas, and special events. The castle was fully booked during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

Another source of income for the castle is hosting royalty, dignitaries, world leaders, and wealthy individuals who want to experience living in a historic castle surrounded by nature. They spend extended periods within the castle, paying tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds per day for the royal experience provided by the castle’s management.

We have not yet discussed the revenues generated from filming television series and movies at the castle, which also amount to millions. The popular historical series “Downton Abbey” was filmed in its entirety within the castle, along with numerous international films, such as “The Secret Garden,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Pride and Prejudice,” and many more.

The current estimated value of the castle is around £137 million, equivalent to more than 2.5 billion Egyptian pounds. Highclere Castle has a comprehensive website with information about its history, visitors, services, available attractions, reservations, payment options, and a calendar of events throughout the year. The site also allows users to download the castle’s smartphone app for various operating systems.

Highclere is an exemplary model of a historic castle that generates millions in annual profits and is managed with exceptional professionalism.

Final word:

Egypt has around 1,200 historic and ancient palaces, dating back to the time of the Pharaohs, including 400 royal palaces.

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business

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Sindh Courier

London

Sindhi Mandir, the Sindhi Community House, serving the needs of the community, is organizing Children’s Diwali Party on Sunday 5th November from 3 to 6 pm.

“Sindhi Mandir in London warmly extends invitation to the community for a joyous Diwali celebration filled with delightful activities at the Children’s Diwali Party,” says the announcement.

It said that timely arrival is encouraged to ensure that children do not miss out on any of the engaging activities.

Admission to the party is priced at £5 for each individual parent or child to cover subsidized costs. This entry fee includes the activities and a delectable spread of party food, including children’s favorites like art & craft, children’s goodie bags, exciting fun activities, Diwali Arti, Diwali quiz, music and dance.

Sindhi Mandir urged the community to secure tickets by clicking here:

(https://holymission.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=331bb3aedc0c4077b48c56c17&id=01edf58357&e=d2c84d6303)

Or going to https://holymission.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=331bb3aedc0c4077b48c56c17&id=e025664e73&e=d2c84d6303

“Let’s come together to make this Diwali celebration memorable for all,” it said.

The party will end with Arti & Thakur Bhojan.

The regular monthly programs include Asa Di Var on Sundays at 7.30 to 8.30am, Mata Ki Chowki First Saturday of the month at 7pm, Happy Tuesday Family First Tuesday of the month at 12noon, Sukhmani Paath Thursdays at 12.00 to 2.00pm, Satyanarayan Katha Saturday at 12.00 to 2.00pm, Swami Teooram Maharaj and Swami Shanti Prakash Satsang Last Saturday of the month at 5.00 to 6.00pm.

All events will be followed by Langar Prasad.

The events will also be live on the below links

Website: https://holymission.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=331bb3aedc0c4077b48c56c17&id=70f73f16bc&e=d2c84d6303

Facebook: https://holymission.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=331bb3aedc0c4077b48c56c17&id=b1ef0c30ae&e=d2c84d6303

Sindhi Mandir is wheelchair-accessible and volunteers will offer assistance if needed.

It requested visitors to observe COVID-19 safety measures (social distancing, use of hand sanitizers, and wearing masks unless exempt) whilst in the building.

“Please do not visit the event if you or any members of your household are unwell with any of the Covid-19 symptoms or you are self-isolating or have been recently diagnosed with Covid-19 or you or anyone else living in your household received an NHS letter confirming you’re classified as an extremely vulnerable person and should stay inside (known as ‘shielding’.

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Richard Oduor Oduku

On the of 18th October 1564, four vessels — Jesus of Lübeck and three other ships — set sail from Plymouth to Africa, under the captainship of Naval Commander John Hawkins, a scion of a wealthy maritime family.

His father, William Hawkins, was a prominent figure in the court of Henry III. William was the first Englishmen to explore the “New World” in 1527— a label used by Europeans for North America and South America. He visited ports in Brazil, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and visited Guinea for trade. John Hawkins, at 21 years old, had caught the sailors bug. He visited Canary Islands, and having heard of a new kind of trade, an enterprise where Englishmen captured people off the African coast and sold them in Spanish Caribbean colonies, he set off for Guinea and Sierra Leone. With his naval force, they attacked villages and captured 300 Africans, who were later sold in the markets of Isabella, Puerto de Plata and Monte Christi. The first slave voyage was doubly lucrative so much that John Hawkins was credited as the first English merchant to profit from the triangle trade.

When Hawkins arrived in England, the tales of his fortunes reached the ears of Queen Elizabeth I. She demanded a piece of the cake. For the second slave voyage (1564-1565), Queen Elizabeth I charted her ship — a 70 ton Jesus of Lübeck — to John Hawkins. The ship flew the Queen’s flag, the Royal Standard. 400 Africans were captured and sold for gold, silver and other precious items. The Queen convinced of the profitability of slave trade henceforth sponsored all subsequent voyages. She provided ships, supplies, and guns. She granted Hawkins a special court of arms bearing the image of a bound enslaved African. Hawkins succeeding voyages to Sierra Leone, over a five-year period (1564-1569), enslaved 1200 Africans and transported them to the Spanish settler markets in the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.

John Hawkins was not a lone participant in the slave trade. As more ships joined in the barbarity, slave trade ballooned to an industrial scale. The Slave Voyages database — a project undertaken by the Emory Center for Digital Scholarship, the University of California at Irvine, and the University of California at Santa Cruz — details the names of vessels, where voyages began, where captives were purchased and landed, and the total embarked and disembarked. I computed the numbers of ship records. A total of 34,148 slave voyages were made from the early years of slave trade to first abolition of 1807. These voyages transported 10.7 million people from the coast of Africa. Of these, 9.2 million disembarked at the end of the journey, implying that 1.5 million people died on the slave ships — from torture, starvation, diseases, or were cast to sea. By the final abolition of slave trade in 1833, nearly 400 years from the first voyage of John Hawkins, 12.5 million Africans had been forcefully uprooted from their lands and cast to foreign lands to work as beasts of burden in plantations, under unforgiving labor and living conditions.

In unearthing the British legacies of slave trade, we look at the institutions that granted it the political, social and economic legitimacy, those that provided the capital for its industrial expansion, and the prominent individuals who gained from slave-ownership and compensation. We renew our spirited call for reparations and embolden the communities that were dispossessed for hundreds of years to persist in the pursuit of justice.

The British Monarchy and Slave Trade

Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) was an early investor in the plunder of African peoples. If John Hawkins was the first Englishman to include enslaved Africans in his cargo, Queen Elizabeth provided the political, financial, and social legitimacy. She also provided the military to protect the movement of her investment across the oceans. She planted the seeds of slave trade and watered it. Some of the slaves who were brought to London found themselves as entertainers in her court.

When she died on 24th March 1603, the crown passed to King James I, who, following in her footsteps, granted a patent to The Royal African Company in 1618 to trade for gold and precious woods in Africa. In 1663, he issued another patent to the Company of Royal Adventurers, to capture and sell slaves in West Indies and Virginia. His successor, King Charles II, following in the same footsteps. He founded a new company, Royal Adventurers into Africa. The shareholders of the company were members of the royal family and aristocrats to secure the interests of the monarchy. Signed on 10th January 1663, the charter affirmed the monarchy’s official involvement in the triangle trade. In 1672 the company changed its name to Royal African Company, and with it a warrant signed by King Charles II stating that: “… it shall be and may be lawful to … set to sea such as many ships, pinnaces, and barks as shall be thought fitting … for the buying, selling, bartering and exchanging of, for or with any gold, silver, negroes, slaves, goods wares and manufactures …”

Over the next 50 years, Royal African Company shipped more African slaves to the Americas than any other company in the history of slave trade. Many of these captured Africans were branded with the initials “DY” standing for “Duke of York” and ferried to Caribbean islands and colonies in the Americas to work in sugar plantations. The Slave Voyages database shows that from 1672 to 1713, the Company transported 100,000 enslaves Africans, and by 1731, they had transported more than 187,000 slaves from Africa to English colonies in North, Central and South America.

Slavery: Key historical dates

King George III was also pro-slavery. The monarchy actively engaged in slave trade throughout his reign (1760-1820). Even though Britain was losing control over the Americas, he fought tirelessly against the voices of abolition. The resistance of the monarchy explains why, despite the passing of the Acts of Parliament of 1807 and 1811 that abolished slave trade and made it a felony, slave trade did not end in the British colonies until the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act 1833.

Bank of England

The establishment of the Bank of England in 1694 was necessitated by evolving capital needs. Slave trade required long-term credit facilities. Bank credit was touted as a replacement of the company bond issuances that was the modus operandi for the big players in the London market: East India Company, South Sea Company and Royal African Company. All these companies were involved in non-European overseas slave trade. Their expansion and the evolution of the bank laid the foundation of London as a global financial capital. In the second half of the 18th century, over 90 percent of direct trade between Britain and Africa involved the purchase and shipment of slaves to the New World, and the Bank of England played a pivotal role in providing the long-term credit.

In acknowledgement of its role, the Bank of England admitted being intimately connected to historic slave trade. It acknowledged providing financing to South Sea Company and Royal African Company. They also financed the operations of slave owners. In the 1770s, for instance, the bank loaned money to Alexander & Sons, who were the owners of Bacolet and Chemin Plantations in Grenada. Alexander & Sons used their enslaved workforce as loan security. When the plantations went bankrupt, the bank took over the business. In a list of inventory prepared in 1788, the bank quantified the perceived value of each of the 599 enslaved men, women and children, as property it intended to sell in 1790-91 to recover the loan.

London – The Capital of Slave Trade

London was the capital of slave trade. It was the epicenter of grand plans and the sink for profits. Today it is almost impossible to find any building of historical significance unlinked to slavery and slave trade.

At Gresham Street stands an avatar of that era. Guildhall, a building occupying a special place in the City of London. It is here that the City of London was incorporated. It is also here that the shareholders of Royal Africa Company — 15 Lord Mayors of London, 25 sheriffs and 38 aldermen of the City of London — met regularly between 1660 to 1690 to discuss all issues pertaining to voyages to African coasts, investments in slave trading establishments, transportation of slaves to the Americas and Caribbean, and the goods brought back for trading in England.

Slavery: Key statistics and figures

At the east end of the south wall in Guildhall stands a statue of William Beckford Senior, praised as the “uncrowned king of Jamaica.” Beckford was twice a Mayor of London, an MP for the City of London, and a slave owner running 20,000 acres of plantation agriculture in Jamaica.

The growth of three major British ports: Liverpool, London, and Bristol, was closely associated with slavery and slaveholding, to an extent where one of the anti-abolitionists, James Penny, a ship owner and slave trader, opined that: “should this trade be abolished, it would not only affect the commercial interest … of the County of Lancaster, and more particularly the Town of Liverpool, whose fall, … would be rapid as its rise has been astounding.”

While London and Bristol were initially Britain’s key slave-trading ports, Liverpool began to dominate the trade by 1740 and continued to do so until it was abolished in 1807. Between 1695 and 1807, there were 5,300 voyages from Liverpool to Africa, compared to 3,100 from London and 2,200 from Bristol over the same period.

Liverpool owes much of its urban landscape slave trade profits. Slave merchants sailing from the Old Dock, built in 1715, contributed funds for the building of The Bluecoat Chambers, a charity school for the town’s orphans. The Bluecoat Chambers is currently the oldest surviving building in central Liverpool. The first intercity railway in the world — the Liverpool and Manchester Railway — which opened in 1830 also owes its existence to proceeds from slave trade.

Across England, grandiose buildings replete with turrets, picture windows, kitchen gardens, perfectly manicured loans, and rooms stuffed with antiques and objet d’arts, communicate to a time when the fortunes of transatlantic trade washed over the city. In 2020, the National Trust — a body created in 1895 to preserve places of natural beauty and historic interest across the country — released a 115-page “Interim Report on the Connections between Colonialism and Properties now in the Care of National Trust, Including Links with Historic Slavery”. 93 historic places were found to be deeply connected with slavery, slave trade, and colonialism.

Slave Owners and Their Descendants

After nearly 400 years, the Acts of Parliament of 1807 and 1811 abolished the slave trade. Another Act of 1819 created the Office of the Registry of Colonial Slaves in London and authorized it to document pre-existing colonial registers. Even though the 1807 and 1811 Acts of Parliament had abolished slave trade and declared it a felony, it was the Slavery Abolition Act that abolished slavery in British colonies. The Act came into force in 1834. It established the Slave Compensation Commission. The Commission established the list of slave-owners from October 1833 to July 1835. The final list identified 4000 slave-owning families who were eligible for the £20 million in compensation.

Over the past decade, the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery at University College London (UCL) have been chronicling the names of British slave-owners, working backwards from the final abolition of slavery with the passage of the Act of Parliament of 1833. The names of these slave owners are gleaned from the documentation of the Slave Compensation Commission, for those who received the £20 million.

At the time, the £20 million borrowed by the British government was equivalent to 40% of the annual national budget, or 5% of GDP, and was the largest loan in the country’s history.

Who are the descendants of the slave owners who received the biggest payouts?

The biggest payout went to John Gladstone. He received £106,769 for the 2,508 slaves he owned across nine plantations. His son, William Gladstone, would later serve as prime minister four times. John Blair, who was an MP at the time, was awarded £83,530, for 1,598 slaves he owned on the plantation he had inherited in British Guyana. The family of former Prime Minister David Cameron also received compensation. Others included the ancestors of the authors George Orwell, Graham Greene, as well as the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. George Orwell’s great-grandfather, Charles Blair, owned 218 slaves, for which he received a compensation of £4,442.

Reparation Strategies for the Present and Future

In the absence of compensation for the enslaved, the single act of compensating slave-owners enriched slave-owning families and predisposed millions freed slaves to enduring inequalities. The lack of responsiveness of the British government to calls for reparations has birthed a new strategy which seeks to target the descendants of slave-holding families. These families, having gained from the Slave Compensation Commission, continue to enjoy inherited wealth, passed from generation to generation.

Reparations efforts

Barbados’ National Task Force on Reparations, has started targeting descendants of the slave-owners who enslaved their descendants. In December 2022, Barbados called out Conservative MP Richard Drax over his family’s ownership of a vast sugar plantation on the island. Barbados wants the family to pay reparations or face litigation in the future. They are also heaping pressure on the family of the Oscar-nominated actor, Benedict Cumberbatch, to pay reparations over his family’s ownership of sugar plantations. This approach, more than anything else, removes slavery and slave trade from the dusty shelves of historical records and displays its ongoing effects on the lives of descendants living today. The approach humanizes the call for reparations and the urgency of proportionate settlements.

Over the past few decades, Britain and its institutions have been acknowledging their role in slavery and slave trade. The Bank of England, in 2020, was forced to apologize for its historic participation in slave trade. Records indicate that 27 former members, including 11 former bank governors and 16 directors, benefited owned slaves or profited directly from the trade.

What is certain, from historical records, is that slavery was not a marginal enterprise for the British monarchy and its subjects. It was practiced at an industrial scale. Therefore, beyond acknowledging these legacies, the British political system and British citizenry must understand that for the populations of Africa, Americas, the Caribbean, the consequences are still an open wound.

The urgency of the call for reparations was recently brought to focus when King Charles III ascended to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The insistence calls for more responsiveness from the British public. Apologies are not enough!

Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, speaking at the Reparations and Racial Healing Summit (August, 2022), stressed that these reparations are long overdue. The legacies of slavery are not far off and hidden. They are present in our daily lives. The time to ameliorate the devastating effects of slavery and the extent to which it has stifled Africa’s economic, cultural, and psychological progress is now.

(The article was first published by This Is Africa (TIA), a leading pan-African digital media platform that employs various digital tools and social media platforms to present a credible informed, and accurate reflection of the continent to a global audience)

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Courtesy: Janata Weekly (Posted on July 23, 2023)

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